Lee Sang-min Wins First Grand Prize at 2025 SBS Entertainment Awards

At the '2025 SBS Entertainment Awards', Lee Sang-min clinched his first-ever Grand Prize, while Ji Seok-jin once again fell short of the top honor, leaving a sense of disappointment. Despite the recent passing of his mother on the 24th, Ji Seok-jin displayed professionalism at the awards ceremony, even donning a prepared Hachu-ping wig, stating, "It's fine. There's nothing I can't do."

The event took place on the evening of the 30th at the SBS Prism Tower in Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, hosted by Jeon Hyun-moo, Cha Tae-hyun, and Lee Soo-ji. This year's Grand Prize nominees included Yoo Jae-suk, Jeon Hyun-moo, Tak Jae-hoon, Shin Dong-yup, Lee Sang-min, Seo Jang-hoon, and Ji Seok-jin.

The prestigious award of the night went to Lee Sang-min. Upon hearing his name, Lee appeared momentarily stunned and remained seated, drawing attention. He expressed, "I started the first recording of 'My Little Old Boy' in a house without air conditioning. I just showed my life as it was, and I never expected to receive such immense love. I was able to gradually pay off debts I thought I would never escape from through broadcasting."

Lee continued, "From the moment I lost my mother, I went through tough times and eventually got married. I am grateful to the producers and writers who reinterpreted my life. Including 'Dolsing Fourmen', I just showed myself as I am, and I am thankful for receiving such a significant award."

He added, "I received so much love from SBS that I could never repay it in a lifetime. I feel sorry that I couldn't share this with fellow nominees Seo Jang-hoon and Ji Seok-jin."

Lee also mentioned his wife, saying, "Since getting married, I haven't done much for her. We didn't have a wedding or a honeymoon. I believe this award should go to my wife, who has been my greatest gift, supporting and loving me by my side."

In conclusion, Lee stated, "Some might wonder why I received the Grand Prize. But I really worked hard at SBS. I will strive to live a more wonderful life, ensuring I don't become a burden to SBS, where my entire life is stored, by doing my best every day."

This year's Grand Prize nominees included Yoo Jae-suk, Jeon Hyun-moo, Tak Jae-hoon, Shin Dong-yup, Lee Sang-min, Seo Jang-hoon, and Ji Seok-jin. However, with Lee Sang-min taking the top honor, Ji Seok-jin once again missed out on the Grand Prize, marking another unsuccessful attempt in his 32-year career.

Yoo Jae-suk received the 'AI-Picked Face of SBS' award at the '2025 SBS Drama Awards'. This award is given to the individual who has appeared the longest on SBS entertainment programs, with Yoo Jae-suk recording a total of 981 minutes and 24 seconds.

Yoo expressed, "It feels rewarding to be recognized by SBS. I'm currently involved in 'Running Man' and 'Whenever I Can'. I've been with SBS for over 20 years, and with the help of many members and staff, I'm here. I sincerely thank the viewers."

He humorously added, "As the face of SBS, don't I get meal tickets or something?" To which Cha Tae-hyun replied, "You're too ugly to be the face of SBS. If a person chose, you wouldn't have been picked," eliciting laughter.

Lee Kyung-kyu was honored with the Achievement Award. He stated, "Not just anyone can receive this award. The conditions are strict. I learned today that to receive the Achievement Award, you must have been active for over 40 years without any major issues."

He explained, "The second condition is that you must have received a Grand Prize at least once from the broadcasting station. Lastly, the most important condition is having a good character. Only those with good character can receive this award." His remarks led some to recall comedian Park Na-rae, who recently faced allegations of mistreatment of a former manager and illegal medical procedures, leading to her announcing a break from broadcasting.

Lee humorously concluded, "That's why I received it in 2025. There's no one else for next year. Let's abolish the Achievement Award this year. I will be the last recipient of this award," drawing laughter.

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Below are the winners and works from the '2025 SBS Entertainment Awards'

▲ Best New Male Artist: Kim Won-hoon from 'My Turn'

▲ Best New Female Artist: Lee Soo-ji from 'My Turn'

▲ Rookie UP Award: Lee Chae-yeon from 'Kick a Goal'

▲ Radio DJ Award: Hwang Je-sung from Power FM 'Hwang Je-sung's Hwangje Power'

▲ Writer Award: Mo Eun-seol from 'Our Ballad'

▲ Scene Stealer Award: Tak Jae-hoon, Choo Sung-hoon from 'My Turn'

▲ Good Influence Award: Jung Eun-hye, Jo Young-nam couple from 'Same Bed, Different Dreams 2'

▲ ESG Award: Lim Young-woong from 'Island Hero'

▲ Best Couple UP Award: Yoo Jae-suk, Yoo Yeon-seok from 'Whenever I Can'

▲ Challenge of the Year Award: Im Won-hee from 'My Little Old Boy', Kim Seung-soo from 'My Little Old Boy', Heo Kyung-hwan from 'My Little Old Boy', 'Island Hero'

▲ Hot Clip of the Year Award: Cha Tae-hyun from 'Our Ballad'

▲ Best Entertainer Award: Yoon Hyun-min from 'My Little Old Boy'

▲ Best Teamwork Award: 'Same Bed, Different Dreams 2'

▲ Special Award: Haha from 'Running Man'

▲ Program of the Year Award: 'Our Ballad'

▲ AI-Picked Face of SBS: Yoo Jae-suk

▲ Achievement Award: Lee Kyung-kyu

▲ Reality Male Excellence Award: Yoon Si-yoon from 'My Little Old Boy'

▲ Reality Female Excellence Award: Park Ha-yan from 'Kick a Goal'

▲ Show Variety Male Excellence Award: Yoo Yeon-seok from 'Whenever I Can'

▲ Show Variety Female Excellence Award: Ji Ye-eun from 'Running Man'

▲ Show Variety Male Top Excellence Award: Lee Seo-jin, Kim Kwang-kyu from 'Secretary'

▲ Reality Male Top Excellence Award: Choi Jin-hyuk from 'My Little Old Boy'

▲ Reality Female Top Excellence Award: Lee Hyun-yi, Kim Jin-kyung from 'Kick a Goal', 'Same Bed, Different Dreams 2'

▲ Variety Producer Award: Yang Se-chan

▲ Show Music Producer Award: Jeon Hyun-moo

▲ Most Popular Program Award: 'Running Man'

▲ Grand Prize: Lee Sang-min from 'My Little Old Boy', 'Shoes Off, Dolsing Fourmen'


Kim Se-ah, Ten Asia Reporter haesmik@tenasia.co.kr